I can only imagine that many of you are frustrated by the site performance issues we’ve been experiencing. For others it’s probably a welcome vacation. Either way, the performance issues are out of my control. These issues are affecting a number of servers at the hosting company, and there is nothing that I can do to improve the performance. I’ve gone as far as attempting to bribe tech support to move my site to a functioning cluster (they called me cheap). Thanks to everyone who emailed me offering technical support, and even more thanks to those who offered to help pay for dedicated hosting. A few weeks back we moved to the new hosting company in hopes of better performance, and for a while it was clearly an improvement.
Unfortunately, there is nothing that I can do to improve performance until they fix the issue. Server performance is so poor that it would literally take me daysto get a backup of the site and database. So we’re stuck here until they resolve the issues (unless they kick us off for causing the issues).
Check back on a regular basis, they’ve informed us that the issue should be resolved by the weekend (can’t expect much more from a $25/month host).
jb
I’ve been notified that the admins have replaced one of the servers that was causing the lock-ups. Seems to have improved. Fingers remain crossed.
jb
You have already used up all your slack for April. Fingers crossed? You better cross your toes too!
JB,
instead of crossing your fingers, maybe shouldn’t you plan to find a better place to host the site? and if the fee is higher, maybe ask for donation?
JB, perhaps consider having an inconspicuous Paypal donation somewhere in the home page. Regulars will notice it; surfers may not.
Chifi, I responded to your response on DFA in the ‘other’ thread….. site issues prevented me from posting earlier.
I second the Paypal thing..
instead of crossing your fingers, maybe shouldn’t you plan to find a better place to host the site?
Already in the works.
jb
JB,
Don’t sweat the chronic complainers. I think that chifi guy is getting cranky in his old age. Keep on keepin’ on.
Oh, and inventory in Monmouth County is starting to come on line. While we stand a solid 15+% over last year, inventory is growing noticeably slower than in 06. At least so far. Prices moderated a bit at my mid-month check.
The real action is still 60+ days away.
Lindsey,
I noticed the same thing in Bergen. Inventory is above last year but growing more slowly.
I believe some sellers who don’t really need to sell will wait this year out as it has become conventional wisdom that this year won’t be good for sellers, but maybe next year will.
If anyone has recommendations for hosting services, let me know.
jb
That’s what you get for using a subprime hosting company!
-Richie
Bost:
Do you say “FX” or “Forex”?
James Bednar Says:
March 28th, 2007 at 10:44 pm
If anyone has recommendations for hosting services, let me know. jb
Mr. Roarke
JB,
Two things:
1. You have provided a valuable community service for the better part of 2 years, paid for only by your own money, time and giving nature. Please do not sweat the fact that the site is running a little slower/rougher right now. While I have received the “internal server error” message a few times this week, I find that if I’m a little persistent, everything goes through. This is a small price to pay for what you are offering through this blog.
2. You’ve been resistant to it so far (as evidenced by its non-appearance!), but I agree with other posters who suggest you put a tip jar/paypal/donations link somewhere on the site. I think there are a more than a few of us who are willing to contribute.
I have been literally addicted to this blog since the fall of 2005 and continue to learn a great deal from this community.
Keep up the good work but let us help too! :-)
Sincerely,
RoadTripBoy
dreamtheaterr Says:
March 28th, 2007 at 8:31 pm
Chifi, DFA’s approach is what initially drew me to the indexing concept. Until I get to their minimums, I have to consider alternatives like Vanguard’s index funds, and a few low turnover managed funds by other shops.
Yan: I spoke with DFA a couple of weeks ago. They do not have (stated) minimums. However, as you know, they have an extremely limited number of fee-only advisers that offer their funds, mostly due to their draconian (but entirely fair) vetting process. It is the fee-only advisors that impose their own minimums. The other confusion may be that DFA’s origins were purely institutional, so retail accounts were verboten.
To add, they gave me three advisors in NYC. As I previously said, if you want those leads, I give them to grim who will pass them to you. Just because someone posts a minimum doesn’t mean they are wedded to it. If you approach them, beg and plead, and if they see potential, I don’t see why they would shut you out. Let me know.
Woo Hoo! The old girl is flying today, J.B. There’s a mighty tailwind chasing this thread and just in case this server’s admins do any type of follow-up tracking read:
Thanks, Dudes and Dudettes. Live long and prosper.
Hey Grim,
Don’t sweat it…I don’t think anyone’s going away (at least I’m not).
I also talked with my wife and kids last night for the first time since October. They’re doing some interesting things; seems like they’ve gotten into collecting large suitcases, duct tape and hacksaws. Fascinating!
I also found a can of ether in the utility room. Can that be used as a cleanser?
LOL
I’ve had very good success with Pair.Com. They’ve been my web hosting company for over six years. I host dozens and dozens of domain names there for myself and various clients and I’ve never had any kind of serious problem.
JB,
I know you are agaist the giving out the advertising space on this blog. But you do realize that this is a popular site (ranked at 56,805 in USA in terms of traffic analysis and ranked 236,530 in the world – down 77,179 during past 3 months).
also, many of our readers are future home buyers. why don’t you give advertising space to responsible realtors like clotpoll, not Sally? :)
JB-
I’ve had Dreamhost recommended seveal times. Also had Rackspace recommended…
I’ll try to get some others and shoot you an email.
JM
I’m at DH now. I’d like to go with Rackspace, but the prices are just too high. I was considering Server Beach, but the “sucks” test yields too many matches.
jb
#15, Chifi, thanks for the heads up on the 3 DFA advisers. But I have quite a way to go to reach the minimums unless an inheritance comes my way :)
sub-primers getting a bailout after all !http://news.yahoo.com/s/nm/20070327/us_nm/usa_subprime_states_dc